Georgia linebacker Jarvis Jones will declare for the 2013 NFL draft as expected and informed the school as much on Friday.

"This has been a difficult decision, and one that I have talked over with my family and coaches," Jones said in a statement released by the school. "I think this decision comes at the right time for me and my family and I look forward to seeing what the next level holds for me. Go Dogs!"

Jones is projected by many as a top-five draft prospect.

The junior who transferred from Southern Cal to Georgia made an immediate impact on the Bulldogs’ defense and emerged quickly as one of the nation’s most dominant players.

"I will always appreciate the chance Georgia gave me after my injury at Southern Cal," Jones said. "There is nothing like the Bulldog fans and I will forever be proud to wear the 'G.'"

Jones led the SEC in sacks the past two years even though he missed two games this season due to an injury.

Before Georgia played Nebraska in the Capital One Bowl, Jones hinted that his goal could be even higher than simply being a first-round pick.

The answer, of course, is yes. Cam Newton, like Jones, played high school football in the state of Georgia and was a No. 1 pick out of Auburn in the 2011 NFL draft. There have been No. 1 picks who were Georgia Bulldogs, too, most recently Matthew Stafford.

But the point is, Jones wants to be an elite class and now it appears he will be. He could be the first Georgia defensive player selected first. Even if that doesn’t happen, Jones is aiming high.

“It’d be great,” he told the AJC. “If I decide to come out I’m going to train to be No. 1. I’m not going to train to be in the Top 10 or the Top 5. I’m going to train to be the No. 1 draft pick.”